MPD director Chief Supt. Pedro Bulaong said he has already mobilized foot patrols to do their rounds in certain areas in Manila.

Bulaong explained that the force multipliers are actually made up of the various security guards, volunteers and other concerned citizens who are being tapped to help the police maintain security and peace and order in their respective areas.

Likewise, he advised Manila residents to ensure that their doors are properly locked and their house made doubly secure before leaving and going on long trips or vacations to the provinces.

‘’As much as possible, families should designate someone who is willing to be left in charge to guard the house. But if that is not possible, they should make sure all the doors and windows are securely locked,’’ Bulaong said.

To beef up security, he said the MPD has tapped plainclothes policemen to blend with the crowd at shopping malls, seaports, the Light Rail Trainsit stations, the Tourist Belt in the Ermita and Malate districts and in vital installations.

‘’We do not want to take chances. Thus, the MPD has already devised contingency plans to avert crime occurrence especially during this period,’’ Bulaong said.

Furthermore, the MPD has stepped up the monitoring of the activities of known petty criminals and members of carnapping and other criminal syndicates who might take advantage of crowds to conduct their nefarious activities.

Bulaong said coordination with barangay officials is crucial as this would serve as a preemptive measure to monitor suspicious-looking individuals loitering around unguarded houses.

The MPD chief said Manila residents should advise their barangay officials of their vacation plans if they plan to be away for a long period so as to prevent lawless elements from taking advantage of the situation.